Two-goal hero Adam Le Fondre believes his performance against Millwall on Saturday was his worst of the season despite firing Bolton Wanderers to victory.
The Stockport-born striker scored with two classy finishes to propel the Trotters to a 2-0 win over the Lions at the Macron Stadium.
The double took his goal tally for Wanderers to five in 10 games since arriving on loan from fellow Championship side Cardiff City in January.
Despite his match-winning display, the man known as Alf was none too thrilled with his overall performance in the game.
“I’m really enjoying playing here and playing under the gaffer because he seems to be bringing the best out of me,” he said.
“Up until now I thought I’d been playing pretty well, but this has probably been my worst performance.
“I don’t think I was at my best, I was well below par for myself, but the boys put a couple on a plate for me and I’m glad to score two.
“I think we’re all agreed that it wasn’t our greatest performance but to win 2-0 at home is a good thing for us.”
Despite Le Fondre’s frank assessment of his own performance, his manager Neil Lennon expressed his delight at the impact he has had since joining the club.
“Adam’s goal record speaks for itself, and that’s why we brought him here,” said the Northern Irishman. “His two goals today were fabulous.
“We were very pleased when we were able to bring him here in January, and already he’s our joint second top scorer.
“He’s got five goals now, one behind Zach [Clough], and he’s only been here a couple of months.
“I’m sure he’ll be hoping to finish in double figures for us this season, and I think there’s more to come from him.”
The win over Millwall took Bolton to 16th, moving them 10 points clear of the relegation zone and to within just six points of Lennon’s safety target of 50.
The manager voiced his pleasure at the win, but did admit that his side’s showing was not the prettiest that has been on show this season.
“It was a bit of an ugly win, if you want to call it that, but it’s a very welcome victory,” he said.
“We probably haven’t played as well as we have in recent games, but we got the job done in the end. It wasn’t great but it’s a brilliant result.
“To win and keep a clean sheet is fantastic, and it’s very important for where we are right now. Winning breeds confidence.”
Wanderers next face a tough trip to Portman Road on Tuesday night to face promotion-chasing Ipswich Town.
Le Fondre is well aware of the threat posed by the Tractor Boys, but has faith in Lennon to steer the Trotters to a good result.
“Ipswich is a really tough place to go, and to impose ourselves there on the big pitch is going to be hard,” he said.
“They’re a quality team going for the play-offs, but I’m sure the gaffer will have his plan so we’ll go there and try to get something.”
Main image courtesy of Bolton Wanderers FC via YouTube, with thanks.
